Embracing Servanthood and the Kingdom of God

By Romina Chevren

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”—Matthew 23:8–12 (NIV)

In today’s Scripture, Jesus challenges the prevailing attitudes of pride and self-exaltation among the religious leaders of His time. He redirects their focus from seeking titles and positions of honor to embracing a posture of humility and servanthood in the kingdom of God.

Jesus begins by instructing His disciples not to be called by prestigious titles such as "Rabbi," "Father," or "Instructor." Instead, He emphasizes the equality of all believers as brothers and sisters in Christ, with God alone as their ultimate Teacher, Father, and Instructor. This leveling of hierarchies underscores the importance of humility and mutual respect within the community of faith.

Furthermore, Jesus presents a radical paradigm shift regarding greatness in the kingdom of God. He declares that true greatness is not measured by the attainment of status or authority but by one's willingness to serve others. The greatest among His followers will be those who humbly serve, following the example of Jesus Himself, who came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28).

Jesus' teaching challenges us to examine our attitudes and aspirations. Do we seek recognition and validation from others, desiring titles and positions of honor, or do we humbly embrace the call to serve others, regardless of recognition or reward?

In the kingdom of God, true greatness is found in selfless service and sacrificial love. It is manifested in acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity toward others. When we humble ourselves and prioritize the needs of others above our own, we reflect the heart of Christ and bear witness to His transformative power at work within us.

Moreover, Jesus offers a profound promise: Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted. This divine principle underscores the value God places on humility and servanthood. As we yield ourselves to His will and embrace the role of servant, He promises to lift us up and exalt us in due time, according to His perfect plan and timing.

As we meditate on Jesus' words in Matthew 23:8–12, may we be challenged to reevaluate our priorities and aspirations answering these questions:

Do I seek recognition or validation from others, desiring titles or positions of honor?

How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and servanthood in my interactions with others?

Am I willing to prioritize the needs of others above my own desires or ambitions?

Do I view all believers as equals, acknowledging God as the ultimate Teacher, Father, and Instructor?

In what areas of my life am I striving for greatness according to the world's standards rather than God's?

What practical steps can I take to emulate Jesus' example of humble service in my daily life?

How can I shift my focus from seeking recognition to seeking opportunities to serve and love others?

What aspects of my life need to be humbled before God so He can exalt me in His timing and according to His will?

How can I allow Jesus' teachings in Matthew 23:8–12 to transform my attitudes and actions towards others?

Let us strive to cultivate a spirit of humility and servanthood in our lives, following the example of our Savior, who humbled Himself to the point of death on the cross. And may we find true greatness in serving others and bringing glory to God's name.

Pause: Take a moment to intentionally pause your activities and quiet your mind. Close your eyes, if possible, and take a few deep breaths. Allow yourself to release any tension or distractions you may be feeling. Center your attention on the present moment and invite a sense of peace to fill your heart.

Practice: Reflect on a specific area of your life where you desire growth, transformation, or alignment with God's will. It could be a struggle you're facing, a relationship you want to strengthen, a virtue you want to cultivate, or a goal you want to pursue. Consider practical steps you can take to bring about positive change in this area. Write down one or two actionable steps you can commit to implementing in your daily life.

Pray: Teach us, O God, to embrace the lowliness Jesus modeled and praised. Help us to avoid the pitfalls of pride and the desire for titles and accolades that may lead us away from the path of true servitude. Inspire us to serve others with a genuine heart, seeking neither recognition nor reward but only to reflect Your love and compassion. Grant us the wisdom to value humility over honor and service over supremacy. We thank You, Lord, for the reminder that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. May this truth resonate in our hearts and manifest in our lives as we walk in the footsteps of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.